Perceptions of importers in the United Kingdom, Germany, and The Netherlands regarding the competitive advantages of ISO 9000
1996
Guerin, J.M. | Rice, R.W.
The ISO 9000 standards are a means of defining the quality assurance and quality management programs of manufacturers. The standards can also be adopted by importers who can certify to the quality systems of their suppliers. Increasingly, forest products company managers have recognized that quality standards can have an influence on profitability, both through reducing operating costs and improving market position. As such, the ISO 9000 standard is being considered as one element of a comprehensive marketing strategy by many manufacturers. A survey was done to ascertain information about the impact of the ISO 9000 standards. Importers of U.S. sawn hardwood, sawn softwood, and softwood plywood within the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands were surveyed. The results indicate that U.S. suppliers will not presently gain a competitive marketing advantage if they are ISO 9000 registered. At present, finding suppliers with ISO 9000 registration is not a major factor affecting the purchasing decisions of importers. In addition, the importers surveyed did not consider ISO 9000 registration to result in higher quality products. Importers are feeling increasing pressure to become ISO 9000 registered, although at present only some government and local authority contracts demand registration within these markets.
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